From Bayanihan to Breaking Barriers: A Filipina Nurse’s Journey of Resilience

This International Women’s Day 2025, we’re honoured to share a story that embodies the essence of Filipina strength and wisdom. In our latest Kwentuhan blog entry, guest writer Annika Paniza sits down with her mother, Riezel Paniza. Her journey from the Philippines to the UK mirrors the experience of countless Filipina women who have carved their paths across oceans.

Through intimate conversation, Riezel shares how cultural values like Bayanihan and Diskarte have shaped not just her own success, but her dedication to lifting others up in her community. Her story reminds us that while International Women’s Day is a global celebration, it’s in our personal narratives that we find the most profound inspiration. 

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“We’re more passionate, more persistent. While others may give up easily, we persevere with compassion and strength.”

Riezel Paniza - my Ma - a proud Filipina whose journey embodies the strength, resilience and unwavering spirit of Filipino women shares how the Filipino mindset has been a cornerstone of her success and how she is dedicated to uplifting and empowering others in her community. 

From Iloilo City, Philippines, Ma graduated with a BSci in Nursing from West Visayas State University in 1997. She now serves as Head of Nursing at University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. As an active member of the Brighton and Hove Filipino Community (BAHFC), she led the organisation as Chairwoman in 2013 and 2019.

For Ma, the Filipino mindset is a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles. It is rooted in ‘Bayanihan’ - a communal spirit that values helping others - and ‘Diskarte,’ the ability to be resourceful and adaptable in any situation. These cultural principles have shaped her approach to life, allowing her to navigate challenges with determination and grace.

She believes that Filipino women are the true pillars of their communities. “We’re more passionate, more persistent. While others may give up easily, we persevere with compassion and strength.” She acknowledges the deep-rooted cultural expectations placed on women but embraces the role of leadership and resilience that many Filipinas naturally take on. 

Her own journey reflects this. Like many others, she depended on her family support for her education, specifically her Aunties - a common cultural dynamic where relatives working abroad are expected to help those back home. “ I don’t blame them for having that mindset. It’s just how we were raised - to rely on family. But at the same time, I knew I had to make my own path.”

Like countless Filipinos, the grass is greener on the other side. Across the world even. Moving abroad was always part of Ma’s plan. “Before I even took nursing, I knew that going abroad was the natural pathway. So I was mentally prepared for it. The moment you graduate, you’re looking for a job the next day because you know that opportunities are waiting elsewhere.” She acknowledges that not all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have the same experience. “Some come as domestic helpers, some as teachers who end up doing other jobs. I was fortunate to stay in my professional field as a skilled worker, so my transition wasn’t as difficult. Plus, having a support system of friends and family who were already here made a huge difference. Community is important.”

“Be mentally strong. It will never be perfect. There will be challenges, but believe in yourself, trust the process and always seek help when you need it.”

For those just starting their journey in a new country, Ma offers this advice. “Be mentally strong. It will never be perfect. There will be challenges, but believe in yourself, trust the process and always seek help when you need it.”

She recalls how essential community support was when she first arrived. “We had a spiritual group that met every weekend for prayers and fellowship. That sense of belonging helped so much. And when new nurses arrived, we welcomed them with essentials - rice, bread, milk, even old winter clothes - to help them settle in. We knew the financial strain they were under, so we did what we could to make things easier.”

The Brighton and Hove Filipino Community (BAHFC) is an organisation of Filipino members dedicated to bringing together Filipinos in the area through a variety of social events. These include Christmas and Easter parties, as well as sports competitions such as basketball, badminton, and bowling. Ma highlights how it helps unite our community, allowing us to enjoy, preserve, and celebrate our culture. It also provides a welcoming space for Filipinos who have recently moved to the area, helping them connect with others and feel at home in their new environment — a true home away from home.

“We’re raised to be timid and modest which can limit us. We don’t always put ourselves forward, especially as foreign residents in other countries. We don’t see many minorities in leadership, so we think we’re just meant to stay in the background.”

Passionate about empowering her fellow Filipinas, Ma actively mentors and encourages women to pursue their dreams. She believes in the importance of representation, ensuring that Filipino women recognise their worth and potential in all fields, whether in business, education or leadership. One of Ma’s biggest messages for Filipina women is to stop holding themselves back. “We’re raised to be timid and modest which can limit us. We don’t always put ourselves forward, especially as foreign residents in other countries. We don’t see many minorities in leadership, so we think we’re just meant to stay in the background.” She shares a personal experience that changed her mindset: “I never considered going for a higher position until my manager encouraged me. If they hadn’t, I would probably still be where I was. My advice? If you feel like you can do the job, go for it. Don’t wait around. Don’t limit yourself.” 

Through her own journey, my Ma has demonstrated that resilience, faith and the Filipino spirit are powerful forces for change. So, take a moment to ask your Ate, Nanay, Tita or Lola about their story - because by sharing our experiences, we not only honour our roots but carve new paths for the future.

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